LEGOs, LEGOs and flowers at Omaha’s botanical garden
What to do with 46,000 LEGO pieces? Build an American bison, of course. That’s what nationally-renowned LEGO artist Sean Kenney did at Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens. The bison, built entirely from logos, is among the 27 pieces of artwork on display until May 19th at the botanical gardens.
About half a million LEGO pieces went into making the bison, a calf, butterfly, bumblebee, rose and other sculptures.
They are amazing to look at. The artwork is outstanding. It’s only when you focus on a specific area of a sculpture, do you see the different LEGO pieces. I looked at the head of the butterfly closely. The pieces are typical LEGO toy pieces and they look nothing like the head of a butterfly. Then, when you scan back a bit and look at the entirety of the art piece, you have to give Kenney props for his creativity.
The sculptures are scattered throughout the visitor center, among flowers and plants.
The bison and its calf are located at the entrance. The display includes wild grass, giving visitors an image of the prairie. A small bird rides on the back of the mother bison.
A koi fish sculpture jets out of the pond. It is cute, seeing the actual koi fish swim beneath it. A frog on a lily pad is only a few feet away.
A cool image involves the rose and bumble sculptures. If stand on one side of the rose, it appears the bee is en route to the flower. The bee actually hangs from the ceiling.
Another interesting display involves a rabbit. The rabbit is minding its own business, enjoying a nice meal while a fox looms nearby. The craftsmanship on these animals is quite impressive. Hiding among the flowers is a chocolate bunny. Someone has a sense of humor.
A hummingbird at a flower stands above visitors in the main section of the center. It is about 8 feet high, according to the center’s website.
Outside the center is a small bird feeder with LEGO birds. Inside the feeder are LEGO pieces.
The butterfly in the lobby is massive in size, maybe 3-4 feet wide. It is beautiful.
The artwork on display at Lauritzen is one of three that Kenney has on display nationwide. New York is hosting an eclectic display of sculptures. One is a bike of logos. Looking at his website, the one thing that stands out to me (for family reasons) is a group of penguins on a rock, all made from LEGOs.
A baseball exhibit is in Louisville, KY. It has a batter, fielder and a player sliding into base. All made from LEGO bricks. Kenney has a great talent.
Check out his work at www.seankenney.com.
Kenney is one 13 artists certified by LEGO as “Certified Professionals.” They are non-LEGO employees, who are trusted in their building proficiency, trust and enthusiasm of LEGOs.
With spring eventually bringing warmer temps, work on setting up the outdoor floral exhibits will start. I strongly encourage everyone to visit as much as possible and take in not only the LEGO exhibit, but the gardens.
